The United Methodist Church primary school Koidu, Kono district, one of the popular schools that have made its mark in providing better education and producing most of the prominent educated Kono indigenes, is gradually losing its status. The school is totally dilapidated and vandalized by thieves.
Explaining to Awoko, one of the teachers in the school Tamba A.R. Dauda said since the war ended, nothing absolutely has been done to improve on the status of the school. He said two years back, the roofs of two of the buildings were blown off by heavy wind. He said he raised the matter in an elders meeting but nothing was done to address it.
Dauda further disclosed that thieves had entered the compound on several occasions, vandalized school materials, damaged the fence and made away with the blocks.
What is also frustrating about the school according to Dauda was the withdrawal of the service of World Vision. He said the organization used to provide food for the pupils but it has diverted the feeding programme, to the schools in the interior.
David Kongor a member of the Community Teachers Association CTA said efforts have been made to address some of the pressing issues of the school. He said letters have been written to some non governmental organizations for help.
Mariatu Kandeh a parent said the mission did not care about the welfare of the school. Mariatu, who hailed from Yengema, said UMC School Yengema is the worst of all the schools. “Windows and doors have all been removed and the authorities are doing nothing to replace them”. She said even the furniture is no longer sufficient to accommodate the pupils.
By Jon-Bu